Building construction



March 1963 s. E. HUBBARD 3,081,849

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. S. EUGENE HUBBARD BY MASON, KOLEHMAINEN,

RATHBURN a wYss March 19, 1963 s. E. HUBBARD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 17, 1961 FIG.

INVENTOR. S. EUGENE HUBBARD BY MASON, KOLEHMAINEN RATHBURN 8x WYSS March 19, 1963 S. E, HUBBARD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 17, 1961 INVENTOR. S. EUGENE HUBBARD BY MASON, KOLEHMAINEN,

Ii f

RATHBURN 8 WYSS March 19, 1963 s. E. HUBBARD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 17, 1961 380A FIG. I5

FIG. II

F I 6. I2

INVENTOR. S. EUGENE HUBBARD O 2 G F N MM N Y W M Ha m K\ m 0 T S A A R M Y B March 19, 1963 s. E. HUBBARD 3,

, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 G" l 22 FIG. 22

538 INVENTOR.

s. EUGENE HUBBARD BY MASON, KOLEHMAINEN,

RATHBURN 8 WYSS United States Patent Filed Mar. 17, 1961, Ser. N0. 96,435 14 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) The present invention relates to building constructions and more particularly to a system of new and improved framing members formed of interfitted metal sections whereby a small number of differently shaped parts may be used for many different purposes in the attachment of glass, panels, and other such structural elements to a building structure. More particularly, the metal framing element according to the present invention consists of stock lengths of matching, interchangeable, extruded moldings designed for field construction, on both new and existing buildings of complete exterior facades and interior facings and partitions, and affording 'wide flexibility in function, application, appearance, and cost. The present system of metal framing members may be used to construct store fronts, curtain walls, veneer facings, and partitions, and provides for the neat orderly transition from any of these functions to any other, as well as for the neat orderly transition from this system to other supporting and adjoining materials.

Store front constructions, while used on both new and old buildings, are principally related to the remodeling and renovationof existing buildings. Based originally on the development of specialized glass holding members designed for the support of large panes of glass, store front constructions have, over a period of years, developed as well defined construction specialties concerned not only with the installation of glass but with such adjacent exterior and interior elements as sign panels, wall facings, entrances and the like. The manyproducts used in store front constructions were, however, .originally developed as independent products. In spite of their intimate juxtaposition on "most installations,'they have not generally been designed so as to fittogether, and their actual combination on the building usually requires the interposition of carpentry, masonry, sheet metal, or some other job-contrived connection. In order to reduce installation time and labor, as well as the number of parts which must be used, and to improve the general appearance of the completed work, it is desirable that the frame components which are usedto receive glass also accept and, in themselves, form the transition between glass and other associated elements; and that these framing members be available in a sufficient range of interchageable forms and sizes as to enable them to perform all or most of the functions for which framing members might be required on a building and to permit the designer Wide latitude in his appearance design. It is furthermore desirable, for appearance and protection againstvandalism, that the members be so designed as to be assembled without the use of exposed screws or other fastenings.

It is customary in the installation of glazing ,panels in framing members that the panels be set on sash setting blocks. However, where interfitting frame members are used, difliculty may be experienced in that the sashsetting block may interfere with the interfitting of the components necessitating the notching of the faces of the components to clear the setting blocks.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved building construction which overcomes the aforementioned difiiculties.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved framing member for use as a building component.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved extruded metal framing 3,081,849 Patented Mar. 19,1953

'2 member of low cost construction which may be used for a number of different purposes and which may be provided in a number of different forms, and used for a number of different purposes, and which has a high degree of compatability with other components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved framing member'adapted to positively support glass or other panel elements but which ,provides for controlled release of theglass or panel elements.

A further object of the presentinventionis to provide a new and improved framing assembly formed of extruded metalsections which is geometricallystable at least so long as any glazing or panels remain in place.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sash setting block chair.

The above and further objects of the present invention are realized by the provision of a framing member which is formed of. a pair of interlocking extruded .sections. One section is adapted to be'secured to the building and is known as'the gutter or inner-(frame section; the other section is adapted .to .be assembled together with the gutter section from outside the buildingand is known as the face orouter frame'section. According to certain illustrated embodiments of theinvention, 'certain framing members or mullions formpanel receiving openings on twosides and are .adapted to support adja cent edges of a pair of glass or other panels. The sections forming the'framing member are iseparableaalong the panel receiving openingsin the plane ofth'e panels and the panels are clamped between the sections by the interfitting and interlocking of the web. portions of the sections which extend between the adjacent edges of the adjacent panels. The web portions additionally interlock the sections against relative rotation, and means are provided for interconnecting the webs positively and rigidly in lateral assembly to prevent the sections from coming apart. Half of a mullion, having only one spece for glass, or-other panels, is known as a sash and is adapted tovbe used any place where the wall construction terminates at an inside corner or surface. Sash and mullions are fitted together in exactly the same way. Moreover, sash gutters and mullion faces may be combinedto produce projecting sash.

In certain embodiments of the invention the comp1ementary sections of theframing member are held together both from coming apart and against rotation by metalto-metal interfering tongues and grooves on the webs of the sections provided that one or both of the panels are in place. In other embodiments of the invention, a resilient clip is used to prevent disengagement of the sections relative to each other in the absence of glazing; the clip does not carry any loads but merely serves to hold the sections assembled. In additionalembodiments of the invention, a clip of resilient material is used to positively and rigidly prevent disengagement of the sections through locking of a detent on the clip with a ridge or dog on one of the webs. The operating loads ofthe clips are in tension and shear; the clips are not subjected to 'any significant operating bending loads, thereby resulting inrigid lateral assembly of the sections. Rotation of the sections relative to each other is prevented in all of the embodiments by the interlocking tongues and grooves formed by the webs.

It will be appreciated that the framing assembly according to the present invention provides for a system of building exterior components for the construction of curtain Walls from stock length components,permits installation of veneer walls over any sound existing wall structure and provides for assembly of store fronts tofill any clear openings and to meet any sound surrounding material; permits construction of interior wall fa-cings; and provides for the co-ordination of design of the store front with veneer covering of the upper stories and the freestanding portions of .the walls and the associated interior work. The framing members of the system will accept such building components as glass, panels, entrances, penating windows and facings, and provides for incorporation thereof in either veneer or free-standing walls. Additionally, heat transfer through the metal frame members is low resulting in desirable insulating properties. Moreover, the assembly is geometrically stable at least so long as any glazing remains in place and in certain embodiments regardless of whether any glazing remains in place. It is advantageous in permitting the face installation of glass, panels, facings, and windows; in preserving a clean appearance with through sight lines and no visible applied stops or screws, and narrow face lines. It permits easy assembly having mostly square-cuts with no visible copes; it results in good prospects for performance in place; and it provides-overall economy.

The invention, together with furtherobjects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a framing member and panel assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the framing member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a clip used in the framing member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial end View of the framing member of FIG. 1 illustrated with a modified embodiment of a clip according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the clip used in the framing member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a store front having a system of mullions and panels according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of a typical frame member to base member connection according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a typical frame member connection according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a typical veneer frame installation using through horizontal framing members;

FIG. 10 is a sectionaal view of a framing member and panel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an isometric sectional view of the framing member of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a clip used in the framing member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a framing member and panel assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an isometric sectional view of the framing member according to the embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the clip used in the framing member of FIG. 13

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a framing member and panel assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an isometric end view of the framing member of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a frame member including a panel setting block chair according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the panel setting block chair of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a sash framing member according to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14;

. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a connection illustratingna transition between a free-standing wall and a veneer wa FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a framing member formed of a sash frame section and a mullion face section; FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a train ng member 4 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and illustrated with a modified face section; and

FIG. 24 is an isometric view illustrating a typical connection between the wall system according to the present invention and a compatible wall system.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, there is illustrated a framing member or mullion shown generally at 20 and including a pair of interlocking snapin extruded frame sections 22 and 24 interfitted and interlocked to form a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving openings 26 and 28. The frame section 22 is adapted to be secured to the building and is hereinafter referred to as the gutter frame section and the frame section 24 is adapted to be snapped together with the gutter frame section 22 securely holding the edge of a glass or panel previously placed in position, and is hereinafter referred to as the face fr-a-me section. A pair of panels 30 and 32, best seen in FIG. 1, which may be glazing, such as glass or other desired panel material, is disposed in the respective openings 26 and 28. The panels 30 and 32 have their adjacent edges 30A and 32A, respectively, within the openings in aligned, spaced apart relation. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the frame sections 22 and 24 are secured laterally together by a clip member 34 clinched to the gutter frame section 22.

In order to form the panel receiving openings 26 and 28, each of the frame sections 22 and 24 are of generally U-shaped cross section, each having a bight or face portion 36 and 38, respectively, and a pair of end legs 40, 42, and 44, 46, respectively. The end legs 40 and 44 and the end legs 42 and 46 are aligned and spaced laterally apart to form the panel receiving openings 26 and 28. .The face or bight portions 36 and 38 of the sections 22 and 24 may be of any desired extrudable shape; as illustrated, the face portion 36 is of hollow rectangular shape having sides 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D; and the face portion 38 comprises a single bar interconnecting the end legs 44- and 46.

In order to provide for sealing of the panels 30 and 32 against the leakage of rain, water, and the like, each of the end legs 40, 42, 44, and 46 is formed with a gasket receiving channel or groove 50, each formed of an L- shaped or angle-shaped member 52 (FIG. 1) having one arm 52A thereof integrally joined to its respective end legs 40, 42, 44, or 46 inwardly from the end thereof and substantially normal therewith. Another of the arms 52B is spaced apart and parallel to its associated end legs 40, 42, 44, and 46 with the end of the arms 52B and the end of its associated end leg 40, 42, 44, and 46 being aligned in a transverse plane with respect to the frame sections 22 and 24 to thereby form the longitudinally extending groove 50 for the reception of a plurality of gaskets or sealing members 54 and 56 (FIG. 1). If desired, each of the grooves 50 may contain an inwardly extending bead 58 on the inner edge of its leg to aid in the retention of the gaskets 54 and 56. Although either face portion 36 or 38 may be used as an inside or outside facing, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the face portion 38 of the face frame section 24 forms the outside member so that the gasket 54 is on the outside or weather side of the panels 30, 32 and the gasket 56 is on the inside surface of the panels 30, 32. Although the gaskets 54 and 56 may have any of a plurality of desirable configurations, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the sealing gaskets 54 and 56 are identical and are adapted to extend in their respective channels 50. Each of the gaskets 54 and 56 is of gen erally 'arcuate or moon-shaped cross section adapted to engage a surface of a panel at its edges, and additionally each of the gaskets 54 and 56 is provided with a web portion 54A and 54B, respectively, of generally hook shape adapted to be assembled in the channels 50 of the framing member 20. Although the web portions 54A and 56A are asymmetrical in appearance, they are symmetrical in use, i.e., the book of the webs 54A and 56A may be turned in either direction. Since the frame sections 22 and 24 are assembled by lateral movement relative to each other, the gaskets 54 and 56 are normally preinstalled in the channels 5t} prior to the assembly of the sections 22 and 24 and the panels 30 and 32. Of course, it will be appreciated that gaskets of various configurations may be used and, as hereinafter described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 15, and -16 and 17, the gaskets may be adapted to be rolled in after assembly of the sections 22 and 24 into the framing member 20.

In order to provide for separation of the frame sections 22 and 24 at the panel receiving openings 26 and 28 in the plane of the panels 30 and 32, and to provide for interlocking of the sections 22 and 24 against relative rotation, each of the frame sections 22 and 24 is provided with a main web 60 and 62, respectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend between the adjacent spaced apart ends 30A, 32A of the panels 30 and 32 to separate the panel receiving openings 26 and 28. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the main web 60 formed on the frame section 22 extends from the face portion 36 parallel to and intermediate the end legs '40 and 42 and includes a tongue portion-64 formed along'the lateral axis at its end remote from the face portion36 and is additionally provided with an L-shaped auxiliary web portion 66 having a short leg 66A (FIG. 1) integral with the main web 60 and having a long leg 66B parallel to and spaced apart from the main web '60 intermediate the length of the main web 60 and forming a groove 68 with the main web 60. The auxiliary web portion 66 is provided with a longitudinally extending bead 66C along its outer surface adjacent the intersection of the long and short legs 66B and 66A, and extending along the lateral axis of the frame section 22 toward the face portion 36 thereof. Moreover, the inner edge of the long leg 6613 in the auxiliary web portion 66 is provided with a groove or recess 66D. The main web 62 of the frame section 24 is positioned when assembled adjacent to and overlying the web portion of the frame section 22 along the side thereof provided with the groove 68 and the main web 62 is provided with a tongue portion 70 received in groove 68. Moreover, the frame section 24 is provided with a tongue or auxiliary web 72 extending from its face portion 38 parallel to and spaced apart from the main Web 62 along the side thereof overlayed by the web 69 of the frame section 22 and forming a groove 74 with the main web 62 which receives the tongue 64 of the main web 60. In this manner, the tongue 64 of the frame section 22 is received Within the groove 74 formed in the frame section 24 and the tongue 70 of the frame section 24 is received within the groove 68 formed inthe frame section 22so that the frame sections 22 and 24 are thereby restrained from relative rotation whether or not the panels 30 and 32 are in place in the panel receiving openings 26 and 28.

In order to secure the sections 22 and 24 laterally together thereby preventing the sections 22 and 24 from separating, the clip 34 is provided. The clip 34 is punched or otherwise formed from a strip of spring material, such as aluminized steel, and includes a main body portion 80 (FIG. 3) having a plurality of aligned generally U-shaped end portions 82 along one lateral edge and having an inclined tip portion 84 along the other lateral edge. A wedge or detent 86 is struck out of the main body portion 80 intermediate its portions 82 and 84. A second auxiliary web 88 is provided on the frame section 24 extending angularly from the face portion 38' and on the side of the main web 62 remote from the first auxiliary web 72, and the main web 62 of the frame section 24 is additionally provided with a longitudinally extending ridge or wedge-shaped dog portion 90 intermediate its length on the side thereof remote from the first auxiliary web 72 and facing toward the auxiliary web 88. The U-shaped portions 82 of the clip 80 are hooked around the bead 66C in the L-shaped web 66 and the tip portion 84 of the clip 34 engages the surface of the auxiliary web88.

In order to secure the clip 34 in place during assembly of the sections 22 and 24, the main body portion thereof additionally has struck-out therefrom a pair of ears 92, extending normal thereto prior to the assembly of the clip 34 with the frame section 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and positioned intermediate the wedge 86 and the U- shaped portions 82. To assemble the clip 34 with the frame section 24, the portions 82 of the clip 34 are positioned or hooked around the bead 66C and with the ears 92 extending adjacent the free edge of the long leg-66B of the web 66. The ends of the ears 92 may then be deformed to fit in the recess 66D as illustrated at 92A in FIG. 1, and the clip 34 and framesection 22 are secured in assembled relation whether or not the mating frame section 24 is in place.

The method of assembly of the frame section 24 with the frame section 22 is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. The clip 34 is first assembled with the gutter frame section 22. Theframe section 24 is then positioned laterally of its final assembled position, as indicated in phantom, and is moved laterally relative to the frame section 22, the tongue 70 thereof fitting into the groove 68 andthe tongue 64 of the frame section-22 fitting in the groove 74 of-the frame section 24. The inner gasket 56 has been assembled in the groove 50 of the gutter frame section 22 and the panels 30 and 32 have preferably been previously placed in position. Moreover, the outer gasket 54 would normally have previously been assembled in the groove 56 of the face frame member 24. As the frame sections 22 and 24 are moved toward each other, the dog portion 90 on the frame section 24 moves over the wedge 86 on the clip 34, deforming-the clip 34 in bending. 'Further movement of the frame sections 22 and. 24 relative to each other will cause the dog portion 90* to slide over the edge of the wedge 86 and the clip 34 will spring to the position illustrated in FIG. 1.

Once assembled, the framesections 22 and 24 are held from lateral separation through theinterference of the dog portion 90 and the wedge 86 on the clip 34. It will beappreciated that the clip 34 is loaded primarily in direct and shear stresses and that the bending load in the clip 34 is negligible. Forces in the framing member 20 which tend to separate the frame'sections '22 and 24 will be reacted through the engagement of the U-shaped'porions 82 with the bead 66C causing compression in the wedge 86 and tension in the portion of the main body from the wedge 86 to the portion 82. In this manner, the sections are rigidly held together, the resiliency of the clip 34 in direct and shear loadings being negligible as compared with the bending of the clip. The auxiliary web 88 functions to prevent the tip 84 of the clip 34 from moving out away from the Wfib'fit} in response to bending moment in the body 80, thus preventing disengagement of the sections through application of excess force.

It will be seen that the framing member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 provides an arrangement which is geometrically stable even though one or both of the panels 343 and 32 are missing therefrom. Moreover, the frame sections 22 and 24 are readily assembled by a straight, lateral relative movement of the frame sections 22 and 24, resulting in the maximum utilization of square cuts in the joinery, simplification of a reglazing job, and providing for either pre-installed gaskets 54 and 56 or the rolling-in ofthe gaskets after assembly of the frame sections 22 and 24 with the panels, as hereinafter described. The sections 22 and 24 are held against relative rotation by the tongues and grooves formed of their webs and are held rigidly against lateral separation by the clip 34, the clip 34 carrying the operating loads predominantly in direct stresses; the clips 34 being subjected to significant bending stress only during the snap-in assembly of the frame sections 22 and 24. The clips 34 are positively retained by thebead 66C and the groove 66]) and the clips 34 may readily be replaced in a wall section with out the removal of the panels 30 and 32. Moreover, the clip 34, formed from a section of sheet material, may quickly and economically be manufactured, thus providing an economical framing member 20. The framing members 20 are readily compatible with certain other commonly used systems of store front and building exterior components and may be economically cut to size and assembled in the field, thereby adapting the framing member 20 to small jobs as Well as to larger jobs and avoiding the necessity of elaborate field measurements and assembly drawings prior to assembly.

In order that the framing member 20 be adapted to a horizontal position as well as a vertical position, the main web 60 of the frame section 22 is provided with a drain age channel 94 (FIG. 1) by the addition of a bead 96 just inwardly from the end of the web 72. The framing member 20 is thereby adapted to be used as a horizontal mullion as well as a vertical mullion.

A building wall construction employing the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. The wall comprises a plurality of contiguously arranged panels indicated at 102, 104, and 106, and which correspond to the panels 30 and 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, and which are separated vertically by a plurality of vertically extending mullions 108, similar to frame members 20 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, and a plurality of horizontal mullions 110, also similar to the frame members 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, but which, if desired, may have a differently dimensioned face frame section than that of mullions 108, and interconnecting the vertical frame members 108. The panels 102, 104, and 106 may consist of any suitable panel which may be translucent, transparent, or otherwise, and of various composition. Different thicknesses of panels may be provided for by differently dimensioned gutter frame members 22. The Vertical mullions 108 are contiguously mounted on a base framing member 112 and are secured to a head framing member 114 at their upper ends.

The embodiment of FIGS. 4 and illustrates a framing member secured together with a modified form of clip 116. The frame sections in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 are identical to the frame sections 22 and 24 of the previously described embodiment and, for simplicity, only the gutter frame section 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. However, it is to be understood that the gutter frame section 22 illustrated in FIG. 4 is one of two frame sections which cooperate to form a framing member. As heretofore described, the gutter frame section 22 is of general U-shape having a face portion 36 and a pair of end legs 40 and 42 having gasket receiving channels 50 formed at the free ends thereof. A main Web- 60 extends from the face portion 36 intermediate the end legs 40 and 42 and is provided at its end with a tongue portion 64. An L-shaped auxiliary web portion 66 is provided and has a short leg 66A formed integral with the web 60 intermediate its length and is provided with a long leg 66B joining the short leg 66A. A laterally extending bead 66C is provided at the outside corner formed by the legs 66A and 66B. A groove or recess 66D is provided at the edge along the inside surface of the long leg 6613.

Referring now to the modified form of clip 116, best illustrated in FIG. 5, the clip is provided with a main body portion 117 having a plurality of aligned U-shaped end portions 118 along one lateral edge and having an inclined tip portion 120 along the other lateral edge. A wedge or detent 122 is struck out of the main body portion 117 intermediate its portions 118 and 120. The detent 122 is formed by piercing the main body portion 117 to form the holding edge 124 and is then embossed to form a raised portion 124A adapted to engage the dog portion of the face frame section.

In order to provide for retention of the clip member 116 with the frame section 22, the clip 116 is additionally provided with a pair of wedge-shaped ears 126 struck out from the main body portion 117 and each including a pair of angularly inclined leg portions 128 and 130, the intersection of which forms an apex 132 inclined toward the end portions 118.

The clip member 116 is assembled with the frame member 22 in the same manner asthe clip 34 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. More specifically, the U- shaped end portions 118 of the clip 116 are placed over the bead 66C of the L-shaped auxiliary web portion 66, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 4, and the clip 116 is pivoted about this bead 66C so that the apices 132 of the ears 126 slide over the edge of the long leg 66B of the web portion 66. The clip 116 then clamps the long legs 6613 between the portions 118 and the ears 126 so that the clip 116 is secured to the frame section 22. The ears 126 may be deformed into the recess 66D, as illustrated at 126A in FIG. 4, more positively to secure the clip 116 to the web portion 66.

Once the clip 116 has been assembled with the frame section 22, a face frame section can be assembled therewith in like manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 above so that a unitary framing member is formed, consisting of frame sections 22 and 24, and held laterally together through the clip 116. It will be seen that the frame section 24, heretofore described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, may readily be assembled with the framesection 22 by merely pushing the sections 22 and 24 together laterally, the dog on the sect-ion 24 snapping over the Wedge 122 in like manner as the dog portion 90- slides over the detent 86 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The clip member 116 described in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is advantageous over the clip member 34 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 in that not only are the frame sections 22 and 24 held rigidly in assem- The framing members heretofore described are mullions provided with space for panels on two sides; however, members are frequently required which provide for panels on one side only. Such members, referred to as sash, provide frame sections, each of which consists essentially of half of a face portion, one end leg, and a main web. Sash and other frame members such as mullions are interfitted in a similar manner with interlocking web portions; and, in the previously described em bodiments wherein a clip is used, identical clips are used with the sash as with the mullions. Sash is required Where one edge of the wall or panel is against an existing wall of masonry or other material. A typical sash installation would be the base or head runners 112 and 114 of FIG. 6 or jambs wherever a panel assembly must be terminated at an inside corner or wall. One such sash is illustrated in the joint or connection construction of FIG. 7. The cross section of such a sash is also illustrated in FIG. 18.

Identical parts of FIG. 7 and FIGS. 1 to 6 are identified by the same reference numerals. Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a joint between a vertical framing member of which only the gutter frame section 22 is illustrated for purposes of clarity, and a base frame member or sash illustrated generally at 134.

As therein disclosed, the frame section 22 of FIG. 7 is identical to the frame section 22 illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, and the base member 134 is similar to the framing member 20 disclosed in the em bodirnents of FIGS. 1 to 3, but modified to produce a half frame member having approximately one-half the transverse width of the framing member 20'. Moreover, the framing members illustrated in FIG. 7 employ the clip 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the frame section 22 and the clip 116 are the same as described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, they are not herein described in detail.

The base frame member 134 includes a pair of interlocking snap-in extruded frame sections, one being a gutter frame section 136 and the other a face frame section 138, which may be interlocked to form a panel receiving opening therebetween and adapted to be installed against a surface. Each of the frame sections 136 and 138 contains a lateral leg 140 and 142, respectively, and an end leg 144 and 146, respectively. The end legs 144 and 146 are aligned and spaced laterally apart when the frame sections 136 and 138 are assembled so as to form the panel receiving opening. The lateral leg 140 of the frame section 136 may conform with the face portion of the vertical frame member 22; as herein illustrated, the lateral leg 149 includes a pair of vertical leg portions 146A and 140B connected by a horizontal portion 1 40C. Each of the end legs 144 and 146 is "formed with a gasket receiving channel 148 at their inner ends to provide a longitudinally extending groove for the reception of a plurality of gaskets or sealing members 150. The gaskets 158 may be similar to the gaskets 54 or 56 usedin the framing sections 22 and 24.

In order to provide for separation of the base member 134 at the panel receiving opening in the plane of the panels, and to provide for interlocking of the sections 136 and 138, each of the frame sections 136 and 138 is provided with a main web 152 and 154, respectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend between the ends of the panel receiving opening. The main web 152 formed on the frame section 136 is simillar to the main web 60 on the frame section 22, and extends from the end leg 140A and includes an upwardly extending L-shaped auxiliary'web portion 156 similarto the web portion 66 of the frame section 22. The web portion 156 has a short leg 156A integral with the web 152, and is provided with a long leg 156B intermediate the length of the main web 152 and forming a groove 158 with the web 152. The web portion "156 is additionally provided with a longitudinally extending bead 156C alongits outer surface adjacentthe intersection of the long and short legs 1568 and 156A, and extending along the lateral axis of the frame section 136 toward the leg 149A thereof. Moreover, the inner edge of the long leg 1563 of the auxiliary web portion 156 is provided with a groove or recess 156D.

The web portion 154 of the frame section 138 is provided with a tongueportion 160 at its end receivable in the groove 158. Additionally, theframe section 138 is provided with an inclined tip portion or auxiliary web 162 for receiving the tip portion '128 of the clip 116 when the frame sections 136 and 138' are assembled. The gutter frame section 136 may be screwed or otherwise secured to the floor or wall surface of the building by the provision of screws 164 passing through the main web 152 and threaded into the floor.

In order to provide for the connection of the vertical rame section 22 with the base frame section 136, there is provided a mullion clip generally indicated at 166. The mullion clip 166 is of general Z-shape having a pair of parallel offset end portions 168 and 170 interconnected by a web portion 172. The portions 168 and 172, as illustrated, are provided with a slot 174 to provide clearance forthe web 60 of the vertical frame section 22, thereby dividing the end portion 168 into a pair of upstanding ear portions 168A and 168B. The mullion clip 166 is installed with one of the end portions 170 against the edge of the channel 148, and the other of the end portions 168 extending upwardly and transversely outwardly from the frame section 136. The web portion 1'72 is positioned against the outer surface of the end leg 144 and lateral leg C and is secured thereto by a pair of self-tapping screws 176. Moreover, the ear portions 168A and 168B of the mullion clip 166 are secured to the inner surface of the face portion 36 of the vertical gutter frame section 22 by a pair of self-tapping screws 178 which extend through a pair of apertures 180 in the respective ear portions 168A and 168B of the mullion clip 166.

It will be appreciated that the mullion clip 166 provides for the connection of the vertical frame members with the base members in a clean appearing manner with no visible bolts, and the joint may readily be accomplished with only square-cut ends to fit between the upstanding ears 168A and 168B of the mullion clips 166.

The face frame section 138 is readily assembled by positioning the main web 154 thereof between the main web 152 of the gutter base member 136 and the clips 116 which are secured to the web 156 and pushing the frame members 138 laterally relative to the frame member 136 until a dog or wedge portion 182 on the frame section 138 moves over the wedge on the clip 116 in the manner heretofore described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5. The gaskets and panels may be preassembled with the gutter sections 136 and 22 prior to the assembly of the face frame section or, alternatively, the gaskets and panels may be installed after assembly of the frame members.

FIG. 8 illustrates a joint or connection between a vertical framing member 182 and a horizontal framing member 184 wherein the vertical member 182 extends through. For purposes of clarity, only the gutter frame sections of the frame members are illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the framing members 182 and 184 include a gutter frame section 22 which is identical to the frame section 22 illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 and which is not herein described in detail. Moreover, each of the frame members 182 and 184 is pro vided with clips 116 which are identical to the clip described in detail in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. A mullion clip 166 is secured to the end leg 42 of the vertical framing member 182 with the portion 170 thereof against the gasket receiving channel 50, and secured to the end leg 42 by the plurality of screws 176 passing through the web portion 172 of the mullion clip 166. Moreover, the mainweb 69 on the horizontalframing member 184 willpass through the slot 174 so that the upstanding ears 168A and 168B of the mullion clip 166 will bear against the inner surface of the face portion 36 of the horizontal mullion 184 so that the horizontal framing member 184 may be secured to the mullion clip 166 by a plurality of screws passed through the apertures 1 8i) and tapped into the face portion 36.

It will be appreciated that both the gutter frame sections and the face frame sections are square-cut to the same length. The frame members are secured together by clips and screws with no exposed screws. The face frame sections may readily be assembled with the gutter frame sections by pushing the face frame sections laterally straight in until the clips 116 engage the dog portions of the face frame sections.

:Where the frame sections are installed over anexistingwall to provide for a veneer installation, the horizontal and vertical framing members may be juxtaposed without interconnecting-clips. A typical veneer installation with horizontal through frame members is illustrated in FIG. 9. The joint therein illustrated includes a through horizontal frame member 186 and a pair of aligned spaced-apart vertical frame members 188 and 190 joining against the horizontal framing members 186. For purposes of simplicity, only the gutter frame sections of the framingmernbers 186, 188, and 196 are illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the gutter frame sections of the framing members 136, 188, and 190, herein identified as 11' 22, are similar to the gutter frame sections 22 illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, but differ therefrom in the respect that the bight or face portions 36' of FIG. 9 differ from the face portions 36 of FIGS. 1 to the face portion 36' consisting of a single bar interconnecting the end legs 40' and 42.

In order to provide for the joint of the frame members in a veneer installation, the gutter frame sections 22' of the frame members 188, 190, and 192 are secured directly to the wall by a plurality of screws 194 passing directly through the face portions 36 of the gutter frame sections 22' and into the wall. The horizontal frame sections 188 run continuously and serve as belt flashings for the veneer system; the vertical frame members 198 and 192 are cut to fit between the horizontal frame members 188 and join therewith by square end cuts. If desired, the horizontal gutter frame sections 22' may be caulked to the wall and to the intermediate vertical frame members 190 and 192 as indicated at 196.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 12, there is illustrated therein a mullion framing member indicated generally at 220 and including a pair of interlocking snap-in extruded frame sections 222 and 224, similar to the frame sections 22 and 24 heretofore described, interfitted and interlocked to form a pair of op positely disposed panel receiving openings 226 and 228. A pair of panels 230 and 232, shown in FIG. 10, is disposed in the respective openings 226 and 228. The panels 230 and 232 have their adjacent edges 230A and 232A, respectively, within the openings in aligned spaced-apart relation. The sections 222 and 224 are secured laterally together by a clip member 234, best shown in FIG. 12.

In order to form the panel receiving openings 226 and 228, as heretofore described, each of the frame sections 222 and 224 are of generally U-shape cross section, each having a bight or face portion 236 and 238, respectively, and a pair of end legs 240, 242 and 244, 246 respectively.

In order to provide for sealing of the panels 230 and 232 against the leakage of rain, water, and the like, each of the end legs 249, 242, 244, and 246 is formed of a gasket receiving channel 250 formed by an L-shaped member 252similar to that illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the framing member 229 is adapted to receive a plurality of gaskets or sealing members 254 and 256 which may be similar to the gaskets 54 and 56 heretofore described.

According to the present invention, in order to provide for separation of the frame sections 222 and 224 at the panel receiving openings 226 and 228 thereof in the plane of the panels 230 and 232, and to provide for interlocking of the sections 222 and 224 against relative rotation, each of the frame sections 222 and 224 is provided with a plurality of interfitting webs in a manner somewhat similar to that described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5. Briefly, each of the frame sections 222 and 224 is provided with a main web 260* and 262, respectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend between the adjacent ends of the panels 230 and 232 to separate the panel receiving openings 226 and 228. The main web 260 formed on the frame section 222 extends from the base portion 236 parallel and intermediate the end legs 244i and 242 and includes a tongue portion 264 (FIG. 11) formed along the lateral axis at its end remote from the face portion 236 and is additionally provided with a pair of L-shaped auxiliary web portions 266, each having a short leg 266A integral with the main Web 268 and each having a long leg 266B parallel to and spaced apart from the main web 268 intermediate the length of the main Web 260 and forming a groove 26 with the main web 260. The auxiliary web portion 266 is provided with a longitudinally extending bead 266C along its outer surfaces adjacent the intersection of the long and short legs 266B and 266A, respectively, and extending along the transverse axis of the frame section 222 toward the respective end legs 240 and 242 thereof. Moreover, the inner edge of the long leg 266B of the auxiliary web portion 266 is provided with a groove or recess 266D. The main web 262 of the frame section 224 is positioned when assembled adjacent to and overlying the web portion of the frame section 222 along one of the sides thereof and the main web 262 is provided with a tongue portion 276 received in the groove 268. Moreover, the frame section 224 is provided with a tongue or auxiliary web 272 extending from its face portion 238 parallel to and spaced apart from the main web 262 along the side thereof overlaid by the web 260 of the frame section 222 and forming a groove 274 with the main web 262, which groove 274 receives the tongue 264 of the main web 260. In this manner, the tongue 264 of the frame section 222 is received within the groove 274 formed in the frame section 224 and the tongue 270 of the frame section 224 is received within the groove 268 formed in the frame section 222 so that the frame sections 222 and 224 are thereby restrained from relative rotation whether or not panels 230 and 232 are in place in the panel receiving openings 226 and 228 in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

In order to secure the sections 222 and 224 laterally together, thereby preventing the sections 222 and 224 from separating, the clip 234 is provided. The clip 234 is punched or otherwise formed from a strip of spring material and includes a main body portion 280 (FIG. 12) of generally L-shape having a long arm 280A and a short arm 280B which intersect to form an apex or surface 280C having the general configuration of the outer surface of the bead 266C. The short arm 280B is provided with a tongue 282 struck or punched out of the main body portion 280 and extending outwardly from the short arm 280B. The apex 280C and the tongue 282 cooperate to snugly accommodate or clamp around the bead 2660 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Moreover, the short arm 280B is provided with an inclined tip-portion 284 adapted to engage the inner leg of the L-shaped member 252 and the clip 234 is provided with a pair of ear portions 285 struck out from the long arm 280A adapted to seat within the groove 266D when the clip 234 is assembled with the frame section 222. In this manner, the clip 234 is held secured to the frame section 222. Moreover, the long leg 280A is provided at its end with an inclined tip portion 286 adapted to engage the surface of an angularly extending auxiliary Web 288 (FIGS. 10 and 11) on the frame section 224 in the manner described With reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

In order to provide for interlocking of the webs 260 and 262, the clip member 234 is provided with a Wedge or detent 289 struck out of the main body portion intermediate the long leg 280A. The main web 262 of the frame section 224 is additionally provided with a longi tudinally extending ridge or wedge-shaped dog portion 290 intermediate its length on the side thereof toward the angularly extending web 288 and remote from the first auxiliary web 272 of the frame section 224.

In order to secure the clip 234 in place during assembly of the sections 222 and 224, the ears 285 thereof are positioned in the groove 26613 and the tongue 282 is positioned against the outer surface of the small leg 266A so that the tongue 282 is clinched around the bead 266C in the L-shaped web 266, and the tip portion 284 of the short arm 280B of the clip 234 engages the inner surface of the L-shaped portion 252 of the frame section 222. The clip 234 is thereby secured to the Web 266. The frame sections 222 and 224 may be brought laterally together, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 10, so that the 'dog portion 2% of the frame section 224 slides over the detent 289. Simultaneously, the tip portion 286 will engage the surface of the auxiliary Web 288 to hold the clip 234 in position. The movement of the dog portion 290 over the detent 289' will deflect the detent 289 and the clip 13 234 through bending of the clip until the dog portion 290 slides over the edge of the wedge 289-and the clip 234 springs back to theposition illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Once assembled, the frame sections 222 and 224 are held from lateral separation through the interference of the dog portion 290 and the Wedge 289 on the clip 234. It will be appreciated that the clip 234 is loaded primarily in direct and shear stresses similarly to the clip embodied in the constructions of FIGS. 1 to 5, and that the bending load in the clip 234 is negligible. Forces in the framing member 220 which tend to separate the frame sections 222 and 224 will be reacted through the en gagement ofthe tongue.282 with the bead 266C causing compression in the wedge 289 and tension in the portion of the main body 280A between the Wedge 289* and the tongue portion 282. In this manner, the sections 222 and 224 are rigidly held laterally together, the resiliency of the clip 234 in direct'and shear loadings being small as compared to the bending resiliency of the clip 234.

It will be seen that the framing member 220 illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 12 provides an arrangement which is geometrically stable even though one or more of the panels 230 and 232 are missing there from. Moreover, the frame sections 222 and 224 are readily assembled by a straight, lateral assembly of the frame sections relative to eachother; the framing .mem ber 220 therefore possesses substantially all of the advantages, set forth with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. lto above.

Since the frame sections 222 and 224 are assembled by the lateral movement relative to each other, both of the gaskets .254 and 256 may, if desired, be pre-installed in the channels 250 prior to the assembly of the sections 222 and 224 and panels .230 and 232. The frame section 224 would .then be snapped into place after the panels 230and 232 have been positioned relative to the frame section 222.

It may be desirable that the clip used in the framing member merely serves to hold the frame sections in assembled relationship and that the clip is not usedto carry any of the operating loads of'the frame section. The embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrates a frame member wherein a resilient clip is used to prevent disengagement of the sections relative to each other in the absence of glazing or panels; however, the clip does not carry any operating loads but merely serves to hold the sections assembled. Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a framing member 320 formed of a pair of interlocking snap-in extruded frame sections 322 and-324 interfitted and interlocked to form a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving openings 326 and 328. A pair of panels 330 and 332, illustrated in FIG. 13, are disposed in the respective openings 326 and 328. The panels 330 and 332 have their adjacent edges within the openings 326 and 328 in aligned spaced-apart relation.

In order to form the panel receiving openings 326 and 328, each of 'theframe sections 322 and 324 are of generally U-shaped cross section, each having a bight or face portion 336 and 338, respectively, and a pair of end legs 340, 342 and 344, 346, respectively. The end legs 349 and 344 and the end legs 342 and 346 are aligned and spaced laterally apart to form the panel receiving openings 326 and 328. In order to provide for sealing of the panels 33(land 332 against leakage of rain, wateryand the like, each of the end legs 340, 342, 344, and 346 are formed with a gasket receiving channel or groove 350. Each of the gasket receiving channels 350 is formed of an iL-shaped-or angle-shaped member 352 (FIG. 14) to form the longitudinally extending gasket receiving channel. The gasket receiving channels 350, however, differ from the grooves 50 and 250 in the preceding embodiment in that the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15 is not provided with an inwardly extending bead similar to bead 58 of FIGS. 1 to 5, optionally provided therein to aid in the retention of the gasket. It will be understood, of

course, that the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 15 may, if desired, be provided with a similar bead. Although either face portions 336 or 338 may be used as an inside or outside facing, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the face portion 336 of the frame section 322 forms the inside member with a sealing gasket 356 positioned in the groove 350 on the inside of the framing section 322 and another sealing gasket 354 positioned in the groove 350 on the outside of the panels 330 and 332. While the gaskets 354 and 356 may have any of a plurality of desired configurations, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the sealing gasket 356 has a tongue 356A adapted to extend in its respective channel 350' and contains a plurality of fingers adapted to engage the inner surface of a panel. The sealing gasket 354 is less resilient than the gasket 356 and includes a shorter tongue 354A adapted to seat within its respective channel 350. In assembly, the inner gasket 356 is normally assembled in the frame section 322 prior to the insertion of the panels 330, 332 in the framing member 320, and the outer gasket 354 is normally rolled or otherwise assembled in the section 324 after the assembly of the framing member 320. However, if the gaskets 354 and 356 can tolerate the required compressive force, both of the gaskets 354 and 356 may be assembled with their respective frame members 324 and 322 prior to the assembly of the frame section 326.

, In order to provide for separation of the framing sections 322 and 324 at the panel receiving openings 326 and 328 in the plane of the panels 330 and 332, and to provide for interlocking of the sections .322 and 324 against relative rotation and against lateral separation, each of the frame sections 322 and 324 is provided with a main web 360 and 362, respectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend between the adjacent ends of the panels 326 and 323. The main web 360 formed on the frame section 322 extends from the face portion 336 parallel and intermediate the end legs 340 and 342 and includesa T-shaped end portion 364 formed along the lateral axis of the main web 360 at its end remote from the face portion 336 having a pair of legs 364A (FIG. 10) extending transversely of the web 360 at its end and provided with an inwardly directed flange or bead 365 (FIG. 14) at each end of the leg 364A, forming an inwardly opening groove 365A with the web 360. Additionally, the main web 360 is provided with a pair of L-shaped auxiliary web portions 366 each having a short leg 366A integral with the main web 360' and having a long leg 366B parallel to and spaced apart from the main web 360 intermediate the length of the main web 360 and forming a groove 368.

In order to provide for interfitting of the main web 362 of the frame section 324 with the main web 360 of the frame section 322, the main web 362 is provided at its end with a tongue portion 370 receivable in the'groove 368. Moreover, the main web 362 is relieved with a recess 371 adjacent to the tongue portion 370 in order to provide for clearance during the assembly of frame sections 322 and 324, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 9. Moreover, the main web 360 is additionally provided with an angleshaped auxiliary portion 37?. extending from one side of the main Web 362 and provided with a short arm 372A in the-form of a flange or head adapted to be received in the groove 365A formed between the flange 365 and the body of the main web 36%), thereby interlocking the webs 360 and 362 of the frame sections 322 and 324 against relative separation and/or rotation.

So long as any of the panels 330' or 332 remain in place, the frame member 320 Will be geometrically stable. The sections 322 and 324 will be held against relative rotation by the tongue 370 in the groove 368 and by the interference of the flange 365 and portion 372A, which together form a sort of hook portion between the frame sections 322 and 324. Moreover, the frame members 322 and 324 will be held against lateral separation by the interference of the Web portions 364 and 372. However, in order to secure the sections 322 and 324 in a geometrically stable position even though there are no panels in the panel receiving openings 326 and 328, there is provided the clip illustrated generally at 380 and best illustrated in FIG. 11. The clip 380 is of general L-shape having a short arm 380A and a long arm 388B and is provided with a tongue 382 struck out of the long leg 380B. The tongue 382 is provided with an angle-shaped portion 384 at its tip. The clip member 380 is dimensioned to be received in the frame section 324, the short leg 380A fitting between the face portion 338 and the channel forming member 352, and the long leg fitting along the inner surface 338 downwardly to the main web 362, as best shown in FIG. 13. When thus assembled with the frame section 324, the tongue portion 382 extends angularly outwardly, the angle portion 384 forming a sort of hook for engaging the edge of the leg 364A.

In order to assemble the frame sections 322 and 324, the frame sections are positioned angularly relative to each other with the tongue 370 in the edge of the groove 368, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 13. The frame sections can now be moved laterally toward each other and rotated relative to each other so that the frame section 324 moves clockwise relative to the frame section 322 from the position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 13 to the position illustrated in solid therein. Slight outward movement of the frame sections 322 and 324 will then hook the web portion 372 in the groove 365A to prevent lateral separation of the sections 322 and 324. Simultaneously, the short leg 364A has engaged the tongue 382 of the clip 380 and the angle portion 384 rests over the edge 364A to continuously bias the frame sections 322 and 324 laterally outwardly with respect to each other, thereby preventing disengagement of the web 372 and the flange 36-5 and retaining the frame sections 322 and 324 in assembled relation irrespective of whether there are panels 330 or 332 in the panel receiving grooves 336 and 338.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11 is advantageous over that heretofore described in connection with the prior embodiments in that the clip 380 does not carry any of the operating loads but serves only to prevent disengagement of the frame sections 322 and 324 in the absence of the panels 330 and 332. The interfitting web 372 and flange 365 hold the sections rigidly together; .and the web 362 and flange 365, and the tongue 370 in the groove 368, both cooperate to interlock the sections against relative rotation. Moreover, the above-described embodiment is particularly useful for roll-in type glazing gaskets 354 and 356. Although in some instances it may be used with pre-installed gaskets 354 and 356 in the gasket channels 350 provided that moderately severe compression of the gaskets can be tolerated during installation.

FIG. 20 illustrates a typical sash section in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15 and utilizing the configuration thereof. Referring specifically to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a sash framing member illustrated generally at 386 and including a sash gutter section 388 and a sash face section 390 interfitted and interlocked against rotation irrespective of Whether or not any panels or glazing are in place. Referring specifically to FIG. 20, the sash framing sections 388 and 390 are similar to the framing sections 322 and 324, respectively, of the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15, except that the sections 388 and 390 are divided to provide substantially half of a mullion section. Specifically, each of the sash frame sections 388 and 390 are provided with a bight or face portlon 392 and 394, respectively, and an end leg 396 and 398, respectively. The end legs 396 and 398 are aligned and spaced laterally apart to form a panel receiving opening 400. In order to provide for sealing of the panels against leakage of rain, water, or the like, the end legs 396 and 398 are each formed with a gasket receiving channel 402 for the reception of a gasket as heretofore described.

In order to provide for separation of the framing sections 388 and 390 at the panel receiving-opening 400,

and to provide for interlocking of the sections 388 and- 390 against relative rotation and against lateral separation, each of the frame sections 388 and 390 is provided with a main web 404 and 406, respectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend across the end of the panel receiving openings 400. The main web 406 in the framing section 390 is identical to the main web 362 in the framing section 322 and is therefore not herein described in detail. However, the main web 404, while similar to the main web 360 in the framing section 322, differs slightly therefrom, and extends from the face portion 392 of the frame section 388 parallel to the end leg 396 and includes a hook-shaped end web portion 408 formed at its end remote from the face portion 392. Additionally, the main web 404 is provided with a tongue or auxiliary web portion 410 integral with the main web 404 and parallel thereto and spaced .apart from the main web 404 intermediate the length of the main web 404 and forming a groove 412 therewith. a As heretofore described in connection with the framing section 324, the main web 408 is provided at its end with a tongue portion 370 receivable in the groove 412. Moreover, the main web 406 is relieved with the recess 371 adjacent to the tongue portion 370 in order to provide for clearance during the assembly of frame sections 388 and 390. Moreover, the main web 406 is additionally provided With an angle-shaped auxiliary hook portion 372 extending from one side of the main web 406 and provided with a short arm 372A in the form of a flange or head adapted to be received and locked by the hookshaped portion 408 of the main web 404, thereby interlocking the webs 404 and 406 of the frame sections 388 and 390 against both relative separation and rotation. The sash member 386 does not require clips of the type illustrated optionally in FIGS. 13 to 15 at 380 but, as with the framing member 320, is held against lateral separation by the interference of the web portions 408 and 372.

It is understood, of course, that the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15 may also be used with or without the clip 388, and the framing member 320 consisting of the interlocked frame sections 322 and 324 will remain geometrically stable so long as either, or'both, of the panels 330 or 332 remain in place. However, another embodiment of the invention wherein the complementary sections of the member .are held together both from coming apart and against rotation by metal-to-metal interfering tongues and grooves on the webs of the sections, without the use of clips, is illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 18.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17, there is illustrated a framing member 420 consisting of a pair of interlocking snap-in extruded frame sections 422 and 424 interfitted and interlocked to form a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving openings 426 and 428. A pair of panels 430 and 432 (FIG. 16) is disposed in the respective openings 426 and 428. The panels 430 and 432 have their adjacent edges within the openings in aligned spaced-apart relation.

In order to form the panel receiving openings 426 and 428, each of the frame sections 422 and 424 are of generally U-shaped cross section, each having a bight or face portion 436 and 438, respectively, and a pair of end legs 440, 442, and 444, 446, respectively. The end legs 448 and 444 and the end legs 442 and 446 are aligned and spaced laterally apart to form the panel receiving openings 426 and 428. Each of the end legs 440, 442 and 444, 446 is formed with a gasket receiving channel 450 at its inner edge. The channels 450 form longitudinally extending grooves for the reception of a plurality of gaskets and sealing members 454 and 456. Although either face portion 436 or 438 may be used as an inside or outside facing, as illustrated in FIG. 16,

17 the face portion 436 of the frame section 422 forms the inside member so that a gasket or sealing member 456 is on the inside of the panels 430 and 432, and the gasket 454 is on the outside surface of the panels 438 and 432.

In order to provide for separation of the frame sections 422 and 424 at the panel receiving openings 426 and 428 in the plane of the panels 43% and 432, and to provide for interlocking of the sections 422 and 424 against relative rotation, each of the frame sections 422 and 424 is provided with a main web 460 and 462, re spectively, which overlie and interfit each other and which extend between the adjacent ends of the panels 430 and 432 to form the panel receiving openings 426 and 428. The main web 460 formed on the frame section 422 extends from the face portion 436 parallel and intermediate the end legs 441) and 442 and includes a tongue portion 464 (FIG. 17) of enlarged cross section formed along the lateral axis at its end remote from the face portion 436 and is additionally provided with a pair of T-shaped auxiliary web portions 4% each having a central leg 466A integral with the main web 469 and having a cross leg 466B parallel to and spaced apart from the main web 46% intermediate its length. The main Web 462 of the frame section 424 is positioned when assembled close to and overlying a portion of the web of the frame section 422 and the main Web 462 is provided at its end with a hook portion 46% adapted to engage the cross leg 466B of the T-shaped section 466. Moreover, the frame section is provided with an auxiliary web 47% parallel and spaced apart from the main web 462 which cooperates with a longitudinally extending head or ridge 472 to form a groove 474 for the reception of the tongue portion 4nd of the web 469.

The assembly of the frame sections 4-22 and 424 is best illustrated in phantom in FIG. 16. In order to assemble the frame sections 422 and 424, the frame section 424 is positioned angularly with reference to frame sections 424 with the tongue 464 in the groove 7'4 and the hook portion 463 over the outer surface of the cross leg 4663, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 16. The frame sections 422 and 424- may then be moved laterally relative to each other and rotated so that the hook portion 468 passes over and clinches the cross leg 46613. A slight laterally outward movement of the frame sections 422 and 424 relative to each other locks the frame sections 422 and 424 against relative rotation by the metal-to-metal interfering tongues and grooves on the web sections. The inner gaskets 456 are pie-assembled in the frame section 422 prior to the assembly therewith of the frame section 424, and the inner gaskets 454 are rolled or otherwise assembled in the framing member 424 after assembly of the frame sections and insertion of the panels 430 and 432. It will be understood, of course, that the sections 422 and 424 are biased apart and therefore are geometrically stable so long as one or both of the panels 43% or 432 are in place.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, horizontal framing members are normally installed with the clips down and the drainage channels 94 provide .a wall shelf on which any type of conventional setting blocks (not shown) may be used. On the other hand, sash members such as the base member 134 illustrated in FIG. 7, and occasionally other members, will have. to be glazed with the clips up. It is therefore desirable that the same wide shelf be provided on such sash as is available on other horizontally installed framing members, and which avoid the necessity of notching the face frame sections to clear the setting blocks. One such arrangement according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 wherein a special cantilever setting block chair or angle 480 is provided for use with gutter frame members of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is illustrated the gutter frame section 134 of a base frame member which is identical to that illustrated in FIG. 7. As therein illustrated, the frame section 134 includes the L-shaped auxiliary web portion 156 having the short leg 156A integral with the main web 152 and having the long leg 156B parallel and spaced apart from the main web 152 intermediate the length of the main web 152. The auxiliary web portion 156 is provided with the longitudinally extending bead 156C along its outer surface adjacent the intersection of the long and short legs 156E and 156A and extending laterally of the frame section 136 toward the face portion 138 thereof. A setting block chair 439 is provided of angle or chair shape with a vertical leg 489A (FIG. 19) and a horizontal leg 4303, and additionally provided with a pair of spaced downwardly extending 'beads 480C and 480D which together with the long leg 480B form a sort of inverted channel 430E. The setting block chair 480' is positioned on the frame section 136 with the long arm 15613 of the auxiliary web 156 in the channel 489E and with the vertical leg 43%A thereof below the inner surface of the gasket receiving channel 148 forming a part of the leg 144. In this manner a wide shelflike portion is formed by the upper surface of the long leg 4803 upon which can be placed a conventional setting block 482 of rubber or other material to provide for holding and shimming a glazing or other panel 434. Although the long arm 480A of the setting block chair 480 is not tightly wedged against theinner surface of the gasket receiving channel 148 forming a part of the leg 144, the leg 488 combines with the long leg 486B to form a cantilever action when the panel 484 is positioned outwardly of the web 156. Under these conditions, the downward load of the glazing 484 will tend to rotate the setting block chair 480 thereby wedging the vertical leg 480A against the inner surface of the gasket receiving channel 148. The loose fit of the setting block chair 439 is advantageous in providing for easy installation and removal of the setting block chair 480 and additionally in providing for a sliding action of the long leg 156B of the web 156 in the channel 486E. This is particularly advantageous during assembly of the frame sections 136 and 133 to provide for compression of the gaskets 156. Moreover, the setting block chair 480 keeps the panels away from the groove 153 formed between the long leg 155B and the main web 152 of the frame section 136. The main Web 154 of the face section 138 may be assembled with the gutter frame section 136 without the necessity of notching the web 152 to clear the setting blocks.

The framing members according to the present invention afford wide flexibility in function and application. They provide an orderly transition from a free-standing wall to a veneer wall. Such a typical transition is illustrated in FIG. 21 wherein the framing members according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 are illustrated in such a transition. As the frame sections illustrated in FIG. 21 are similar to frame sections previously described, only the gutter frame sections are illustrated in FIG. 21 for simplicity. However it is to be understood that the gutter frame sections illustrated in FIG. 21 are each one of two frame sections which cooperate to form a framing mullion or sash member. Referring now to FIG. 21, there is illustrated a framing system which affords a transition from a veneer construction on a wall or surface 56 to an opening sea. A flush transition gutter member 534 is secured to the face of the building wall 5% around the opening 502 continuously, and is caulked to the building wall 5% in a similar manner to the through horizontal veneer framing members 186 illustrated in FIG. 9. Although the transition member 504 is illustrated as a head member, it is to be understood that a similar member 594 may be used at the sill and jambs of the opening 562. Moreover, there is provided a vertical mullion, of which the gutter frame section 22 is illustrated, and which is identical in cross section to thegutter frame member described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, and which, for purposes of clarity, is not herein described in detail. However, briefly, the gutter frame member 22 is provided with the main web ea containing a plurality of clip members 116. Each of the gutter frame members 22 is secured to the transition member 504 by a mullion clip 166, which is identical to the mullion clip 166 heretofore described in connection with FIG. 7. Additionally, the gutter frame section 22 is secured to the wall 5% and rests against the upper edge of the transition frame member 594-. The gutter frame section 22' is identical to that illustrated in FIG. 9 and is not herein described in detail. However, as herein illustrated, the gutter frame section 22 contains a main web 60 adapted to retain a plurality of clips to provide for the assembly of a face section (not shown).

As illustrated in PEG. 21, the transition frame member 594 is similar to the gutter frame section 22, but has a portion of the face portion 36 thereof removed in order that it may fit around the edge of the wall 5%". Specifically, the transition frame member 5% is of general U- shape having a face portion 506 and a pair of end legs 5G8 and 51d each provided with gasket receiving channels 512 formed at their free end. A main web 514 extends from the face portion 5% intermediate the end legs 598 and 5343 and is provided at its end with a. tongue portion 516. An L-shaped auxiliary web portion 518 is provided and has a short leg 518A formed integral with the web 514 intermediate its length and is provided with a long leg 513B joining the short leg 518A. A laterally extending bead 518C is provided at the outside corner formed by the legs 513A and 51813. The auxiliary web portion 518 is adapted to retain a plurality of clips 116, only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 21.

In order to provide for the transition between the freestanding portion of the wall and the veneer wall, the face portion 506 of the transition frame member 504 as illustrated has a portion thereof cut away; i.e., it differs from the hollow rectangular shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 in that it consists of a first inner leg SttfiA interconnecting the end legs 5&8 and 510 and a second leg 5MB ext-ending laterally from one edge of the leg 506A into the opening 592, and additionally includes a third leg 566C forming an inner side to the face portion 5%. The face portion 506 in this manner is of generally L- shape with the first leg 566A forming one leg of the L and the remaining legs 536B and EMC forming the other leg of the L which extend into the openings 502. Moreover, the face portion 506 may include a short web 506D extending laterally from the first leg 506A intermediate the end legs 5% and 510 toward the transverse leg 506C and transversely aligned with the edge of the transverse leg 506C to form an angle or seat to aid in positioning of the transition frame member 50% against the edge of the wall 590.

It will be seen that the transition frame member 504 provides for the ready transition from a free-standing wall to a veneer wall. Moreover, this is accomplished by only one additional member, i.e., by the gutter section of the transition frame member S 94. It will be appreciated that the face sections which assemble with the free-standing mullion gutter frame section 22, with the veneer gutter frame section 22', and with the gutter section of the transition frame member 504 will all be identical in cross section, thereby minimizing the number of differently shaped parts necessary to be manufactured and stocked for the system. The face members for all of these frame sections are identical regardless of the shape that the gutter frame members take.

Sash gutter sections and mullion face sections may be readily combined to provide projecting sash, as illustrated in FIG. 22. As therein illustrated, there is shown the sash gutter member 136, which is identical to that described in connection with FIG. 7 and which is not herein described in detail, and the mullion face section 24, which is identical to that described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 3, and which is not herein described in detail. It

26 will be understood that the sash gutter section 136 is provided with the main web 152 and the mullion face section 24 is provided with the main Web 62. The main webs 152 and 62 cooperate with a plurality of retaining clips, not shown, but which may be similar to the clips 116, more fully illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, and overlie and interfit to retain the frame sections 136 and 24 in assembled relation, positively locking the sections against angular rotation while the clips 116 prevent lateral separation of the frame sections 136 and 24. It will be appreciated that due to the interchangeability of the various gutter and face sections, the projecting sash of PEG. 22 is achieved by the use of other frame section thereby minimizing the number of parts required to be manufactured and stocked for the system.

Although all of the face sections heretofore described have been illustrated and described as containing a face portion provided with a single bar, there is illustrated in FIG. 23 a face frame section generally identified at 524 and similar to the frame section 24 but provided with a face portion of somewhat different configurations. The frame section 524 is of generally U-shaped cross sections, having a bight or face portion 538 and a pair of end legs 544 and 546. Each of the legs 54 i and 546 is formed with a gasket receiving channel or groove 559' in its end. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the face portion 538 is of hollow rectangular shape having sides 538A, 5383, 538C and 538D.

In order to provide for separation of the frame section 524 from a complementary gutter frame section and to provide for interlocking of the frame section against relative rotation, the face frame section 524- is provided with a main web 562 which is identical to the main web 60 described in connection with FEGS. l and 2 and which, briefly, is provided with a tongue portion 570 at its end and which is cooperatively associated with a pair of auxiliary webs 572 and 588 which are identical to the auxiliary webs 72 and 78 described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Moreover, the main web 562 is provided with a longitudinally extending ridge or wedge-shaped dog portion 5% intermediate its length and identical to the dog portion if) described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The face section 524 may be used interchangeably in place of the face section 24 to provide a framing member having a greater face depth than that of the preceding embodiments.

FIG. 24 is exemplary of a transition from the present system of wall construction to a compatible system of wall construction. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 24, there is illustrated a framing member 592 similar to that described and claimed in a copending application, Serial No. 54,425, now Patent No. 3,023,859, filed on September 7, 1960 by Dan C. Muessel, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and in which, briefly, an integral extruded aluminum framing member is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving channels 594 and 596. As therein illustrated, the gutter frame section 22, identical to the gutter frame section described in FIGS. 1 to 3, is readily secured to the framing member 592 by the mullion clip 166. The mullion clip .166 is secured to the frame member 592 by a plurality of screws 176 and is secured to side 36B of the face portion 36 of the frame section 22 by another plurality of screws 178. In this manner, there is afforded an orderly transition from one system of building construction to the present system of building construction. It will be understood that the transition illustrated in FIG. 24 is exemplary only of a transition to one other particular building Wall system and is illustrative only of one form of transition. Transitions between the present system of wall construction and various other systems of building wall construction may also readily be accomplished, "but, since the transition forms no part of the present invention, are not herein illustrated in detail.

While the present invention has been described in connection with the illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is therefore intended in the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A framing assembly comprising a first U-shaped section having a bight portion and a pair of laterally extending end legs and a second U-shaped section cooperatively associated with said first section and having a bight portion and a pair of laterally extending end legs which are aligned with and spaced laterally apart from the firstmcntioned end legs, said first section having a main web extending laterally inward from its bight portion intermediate its end legs, said second section having a main web extending laterally inward intermediate its end legs, one of said sections additionally including a first laterally extending auxiliary web parallel to and spaced apart from its main web and forming a groove with its main web operatively receiving a web of the other section, one of said sections additionally including another laterally extending auxiliary web parallel to and spaced apart from its main web and forming a groove with its main web operatively receiving a web of the other of said sections, whereby said webs interlock preventing relative rotation of said sections.

2. A framing assembly set forth in claim 1 above and additionally including a clip interconnecting said sections and carrying the lateral load tending to separate said sections in shear and direct stresses.

3. A framing assembly as set forth in claim 1 above and additionally including a non-load carrying clip biasing said sections in assembled relation.

4. A framing assembly as set forth in claim 1 above wherein said webs interlock against lateral separation of said sections.

5. A framing assembly as set forth in claim 1 above wherein the first-mentioned auxiliary web is on a first one of said U-shaped sections and the second-mentioned auxiliary web is on a second one of said U-shaped sections.

6. A framing assembly comprising a first section having a bight portion and at least one laterally extending end leg and a second section cooperatively associated with said first section and having a bight portion and at least one laterally extending end leg aligned with and spaced laterally apart from the first-mentioned end leg, said first section having a main web extending laterally inward from its bight portion generally parallel to and spaced apart from its end leg, said second section having a main web extending laterally inward from its bight portion generally parallel to and spaced apart from its end leg, one of said sections additionally including a laterally extending auxiliary web generally parallel to and intermediate its main web and its end leg and spaced apart from its main web and forming a groove with its main web operatively receiving the main web of the other section interlocking said webs against relative rotation of said sections, and means interconnecting said webs substantially rigidly for securing said webs laterally together to prevent later separation of said sections.

7. A framing member provided with a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving openings adapted to support adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent panels in said open "ings, and comprising a first section having a face portion and a main Web portion normal to the face portion intermediate the edges of said face portion, the end of said main web portion remote from said face portion forming a laterally extending tongue, an L-shaped auxiliary web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with said main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel to and spaced apart from said main web intermediate the length of said main web and forming a groove therewith, and a second 22 section interlocked with said first section and having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion intermediate the edges of said face portion, the web portion of said second section being adjacent to and overlying the web portion of said first section along the side thereof provided with said auxiliary web portion, the end of the last-mentioned main web portion forming a tongue received in said groove, said second section having an auxiliary web extending integrally from its face parallel to and spaced apart from said last-mentioned main web and forming a groove therewith, the first-mentioned tongue being received in the last-mentioned groove, whereby said overlying sections are interfitted and interlocked against relative rotation.

8. A framing member provided with at least one panel receiving opening adapted to support the edge of a panel in said opening, and comprising a first section having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion, an L-shaped auxiliary web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with said main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel to and spaced apart from said main web intermediate the length of said main web and forming a groove therewith, and a second section interlocked with said first section and having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion, the web portion of said second section being adjacent adjacent to and overlying the web portion of said first section along the side thereof provided with said auxiliary web portion, the end of the last'rnentioned main web portion forming a tongue received in said groove.

9. A framing member provided with at least one panel receiving opening adapted to support the edge of a panel in said opening, and comprising a. gutter section having a face portion, a main web portion normal to the face portion, and at least one end leg parallel to and spaced apart vertically above said main web portion, an L-shaped auxiliary web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with said main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel to and spaced vertically above said main web portion intermediate the length of said main web portion and forming a groove with said main web portion, a setting block member having a horizontal leg provided wtih a pair of spaced downwardly extending beads on its lower surface receiving the said long leg between the beads and a vertical leg tightly wedged against the inner surface of the end leg, and a second section interlocked with said first section and having a face portion and a longitudinally continuous main web portion normal to the face portion, the web portion of said second section being adjacent to and overlying the web portion of said first section along the upper surface thereof, the end of the last rnentioned main web portion forming a tongue received in said groove.

10. A setting block member for assembly with a gutter frame section of the type having a vertical face portion, a horizontal end leg extending from said face portion, and a horizontal web fixedly secured relative to said face portion, said setting block member being generally angleshaped and comprising a horizontal leg provided with a pair of spaced downwardly extending beads on its lower surface forming an inverted channel-shaped portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the web of said section, and a vertical leg adapted to be wedged tightly against the inner surface of said end leg, the upper surface of said horizontal leg presenting an upwardly facing wide shelflike portion.

11. A framing member provided with a pair of oppositely disposed panel receiving openings adapted to support adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent panels in said openings, and comprising a gutter frame section having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion intermediate the edges of said face portion, the end of said main web portion remote from said face portion forming a laterally extending tongue, an L-shaped auxiliary Web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with said main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel to and spaced apart from said main web intermediate the length of said main web and forming a groove therewith, said auxiliary web portion having a bead along its outer surface adjacent the intersection of said long and short legs, a face frame section interlocked With said gutter frame section and having a face portion and a main Web portion normal to the face portion intermediate the edges of said face portion, the Web portion of said face frame section being adjacent to and overlying the web portion of said gutter frame section along the side thereof provided with said auxiliary web portion, the end of the last-mentioned main Web portion forming a tongue received in said groove, said last-mentioned main web portion being provided on its surface remote from said first-mentioned main Web portion with a Wedge-shaped dog portion laterally intermediate its ends, said face frame section having a first auxiliary Web extending integrally from its face parallel to and spaced apart from said last-mentioned main Web and forming a groove therewith, the first-mentioned tongue being received in the last-mentioned groove whereby said overlying sections are interfitted and interlocked against relative rotation, said face frame section being provided with a second auxiliary web extending angularly relative to its main Web on the side thereof remote from said first auxiliary web, and at least one clip member of spring material including a main body portion, a first portion clinched around said bead, a tip portion bearing against the inclined surface of said second auxiliary web portion, and a detent portion raised from said main body portion engaging said dog portion and securing said webs rigidly in lateral relation.

12. A gutter frame assembly comprising a gutter frame section having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion, the end of said main web portion remote from said face portion forming a laterally extending tongue, an L-shaped auxiliary Web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with the main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel and spaced apart from said main Web intermediate the length of said main web and forming a groove therewith, said auxiliary Web portion having a bead along its outer surface adjacent the intersection of said long and short legs, and at least one clip member of spring material assembled with said frame section and including a main body portion, a first portion clinched around said bead, a tip portion along one longitudinal edge, an ear portion intermediate 2% said first and said tip portions engaging the free end of said short leg, and a detent portion raised from said main body portion toward said web intermediate the ear portion and the tip portion for engagement with a dog portion of a complementary frame section.

13. A gutter frame assembly comprising a gutter frame sect-ion having a face portion and a main web portion normal to the face portion, an L-shaped auxiliary web portion having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg being formed integral with said main web and said long leg extending outwardly therefrom parallel and spaced apart from said main web intermediate the length of said main Web and forming a groove therewith, said auxiliary web portion having a laterally extending bead along its outer surface adjacent the intersection of said long and short legs, said long leg having a groove at the edge along the inside surface at its end remote from said short leg, and at least one clip member of spring material secured to said frame section through said long leg, said clip member including a main body portion, a U-shaped hook portion along one longitudinal edge clinc ed around said bead, a tip portion formed along the other lateral edge, a pair of ear portions intermediate said hook portion and said tip portion engaging the lastmentioned edge of said long leg and adapted to be clinched into said recess, and a detent portion raised from the main body portion toward said main web intermediate the tip portion and the ear portions.

14. A clip adapted to be assembled to the web of a frame section of the type formed of a leg of a web having a laterally extending bead along the outer portion of one edge and having a recess along the inner portion of the other edge, said clip comprising a unitary member of spring material having a main body portion, a U-shaped hook portion along one longitudinal edge adapted to clinch around said bead, an angularly inclined tip por tion along the other longitudinal edge, a pair of ear portions extending in the same direction as said hook portion from said main body intermediate said hook portion and said tip portion adapted to engage the edge of the leg provided with the recess and adapted to be clinched within the recess, and a detent portion raised from the main body portion intermediate the ear portions and the tip portion extending in the same direction as said ear portions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,813,313 Shrode Nov. 19, 1957 2,882,561 Shrode Apr. 21, 1959 2,917,793 Owen Dec. 22, 1959 3,016,993 Owen Jan. 16, 1962 

9. A FRAMING MEMBER PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE PANEL RECEIVING OPENING ADAPTED TO SUPPORT THE EDGE OF A PANEL IN SAID OPENING, AND COMPRISING A GUTTER SECTION HAVING A FACE PORTION, A MAIN WEB PORTION NORMAL TO THE FACE PORTION, AND AT LEAST ONE END LEG PARALLEL TO AND SPACED APART VERTICALLY ABOVE SAID MAIN WEB PORTION, AN L-SHAPED AUXILIARY WEB PORTION HAVING A SHORT LEG AND A LONG LEG, SAID SHORT LEG BEING FORMED INTEGRAL WITH SAID MAIN WEB AND SAID LONG LEG EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM PARALLEL TO AND SPACED VERTICALLY ABOVE SAID MAIN WEB PORTION INTERMEDIATE THE LENGTH OF SAID MAIN WEB PORTION AND FORMING A GROOVE WITH SAID MAIN WEB PORTION, A SETTING BLOCK MEMBER HAVING A HORIZONTAL LEG PROVIDED WITH A PAIR OF SPACED DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING BEADS ON ITS LOWER SURFACE RECEIVING THE SAID LONG LEG BETWEEN THE BEADS AND A VERTICAL LEG TIGHTLY WEDGED AGAINST THE INNER SURFACE OF THE END LEG, AND A SECOND SECTION INTERLOCKED WITH SAID FIRST SECTION AND HAVING A FACE PORTION AND A LONGITUDINALLY CONTINUOUS MAIN WEB PORTION NORMAL TO THE FACE PORTION, THE WEB PORTION OF SAID SECOND SECTION BEING ADJACENT TO AND OVERLYING THE WEB PORTION OF SAID FIRST SECTION ALONG THE UPPER SURFACE THEREOF, THE END OF THE LAST-MENTIONED MAIN WEB PORTION FORMING A TONGUE RECEIVED IN SAID GROOVE. 